On most weekday mornings, you can find Arlandis Ramsey cleaning and maintaining five City parks: Ashley Nicole Dream Playground, Caswell Park, Park Ridge Park, Tyson Park and Victor Ashe Park.  

Ramsey celebrated his 15th anniversary with the Parks and Recreation department on July 10. 

He has been employed through a partnership with the Sertoma Center’s Supported Employment Program, which provides integrated community employment opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and a desire to make a difference in their community. 

As part of the program, Ramsey receives support from job coach Larry Thomas, who takes him to parks and helps him navigate through his daily activities.  Parks and Rec Field Maintenance coordinator Phil Hatcher also works closely with Ramsey to assign daily responsibilities.  





Arlandis Ramsey (far right) celebrates his 15 years with Parks and Rec with his Sertoma Center job coach Larry Thomas and Sertoma Director of Employment Delia Robinson. 


Arlandis takes pride in his job duties as he cleans and maintains five of the City’s community parks,” says Delia Robinson, Director of Employment at Sertoma. “Regardless of weather conditions, you can see his dedication and commitment.”  

Much like how the mailmen work in rain, sleet, hail or snow, Arlandis Ramsey is determined to report for work and gets upset if mother nature interferes with his schedule.  

Robinson states that Arlandis’ favorite saying is, “I have to keep my job, do it well or else somebody else will take it.” 

“He’s held other jobs in the past but this job obviously is his favorite," says Robinson, who will retire in December 2021.. "I wonder if it’s the City of Knoxville’s work gear, the expectation he’s put upon himself in receiving praise from his supervisor, or his sheer enjoyment of his own accomplishment for keeping his job for so many years.” 

Rightly so, Ramsey was proud when he reached his 10-year mark but even prouder now that he’s made it 15 years. 

“I plan on keeping my job until I can’t work anymore,” Ramsey states. 

“We at Sertoma are very proud of him too,” Robinson said.  

The Parks and Recreation Department is also proud of Arlandis Ramsey and happy he has worked to keep our parks maintained and clean. 

Thank you, Arlandis, and Happy 15th work anniversary!